Last month, Boyle was one of just two home-based players, along with Derry City’s Ronan Curtis, called up to Noel King’s Under-21 squad for the European Championship qualifier against Kosovo.

The Wexford native did not get to add to the three Under-19 caps he won in October — but with nine games to go in the campaign, there is plenty of time to rectify that.

His inclusion was a reward for his progress since joining Finn Harps last season. Most people would have baulked at the distances involved.

Understandably, no one in his family has yet managed the 470-mile round trip to Ballybofey to take in a home game.

Boyle had a season and a half with Waterford United, a brief spell with local outfit North End United before trials with Shamrock Rovers and Harps, managed by his old Irish schools team boss Ollie Horgan.

I had played with three of the lads — Olamide Shodipo, Ryan Sweeney and Danny Kane — for the Under-19s. That made it easier to settle in.

“I didn’t feel out of place. Noel didn’t speak to me specifically about how I did but the fact I got picked in the squad after playing in a trial game shows he rates me. I didn’t need him to say anything.”